"Inexplicably groggy, 28 year old Shade rests his head on the back of the armchair, arms outstretched tightly gripping the worn and stained fabric between his fingers. His eyes wandered onto the ceiling, tracing every groove, every crack, every crevice. Counting and recounting them. The soft rumbling of Dr. Lucienne's voice vibrated in his head as the second hand beat incessantly. How did he let things get so far out of his control? Why couldn't he remember? His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the Dr.'s voice: '...obsessive compulsive disorder...' "
~*~
Life quickly turns insidious for Shade, who, after the accident, begins to experience unrelenting strange and violent nightmares. Seeking guidance from a licensed psychologist, Shade learns he is suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, which wreaks havoc with his mind. Following treatment, the nightmares finally stop, but to his horror...something worse is born. Death and pain seem to stalk his every turn and Shade begins to fear he is going insane.
A criminal mastermind makes a bold move against a wealthy client to put himself in a position to retire in comfort. He has no idea what he's up against when a young widow, desperate to make ends meet, sets her eyes on earning the bounty set on his head.
***
Newly widowed housewife Melody Scott needs to earn some major cash, fast. When her bright and busy children learn that a priceless ruby bracelet has been stolen and a six-figure reward is being offered, they convince her to try to do what the police, museum security, and the best private investigators have failed to do. Working against them is a notorious thief who has met people from around the world, but who has never once encountered a woman like Melody Scott. When the sweet innocence of the Scott family clashes against criminal forces more dangerous than they ever imagined, Melody is all too aware that a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do to protect her family.
The Widow, Melody Scott is a 2021 Watty Award Winner!
Content Warning: This story does contain depictions of stalking behavior.